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[Eddie Taylor]

Bought a 1996 Z 3 Roadster, starts but runs new battery down. Checked Alt. putting out 13.6 volts so its charging battery is new while setting and motor is running cut lights on starts the battery draining?

 

[FRANKIE]

Bought a 1996 Z 3 Roadster, starts but runs new battery down. Checked Alt. putting out 13.6 volts so its charging battery is new while setting and motor is running cut lights on starts the battery draining?

Hi @Eddie Taylor and welcome to the forum from Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. Where are you located? I hope it's near me. I got a 1.9l '96 myself. Got any pics? If your alternator is charging and your battery is good check your connections to make sure your alternator is actually charging the battery. If so, then check for a short somewhere. There may be a hot wire that is somehow grounded. There are members here that are mechanics that can advise you better such as @t-tony. Most of the members here live in the UK. They're really a great bunch of guys and there is a tremendous wealth of knowledge here. They'll have your problem figured out in no time. You couldn't be in better hands. Frankie
PS. Its 5 hours difference to the UK and they're all sleeping now with the possible exception of @hard top and badboy. They'll all be jumping on here in a few hours. I took 2 trips over there for forum events, the last one in September. Last March, I bought a Z3 ///M in California and a member, @miller1098, flew over from Wales to Philly where I met him and we both flew out to California to drive it to New Jersey. Its also a great deal of fun here but you have to see for yourself. We're all a bit crazy too. Frankie

 

[DavidM]

Welcome from Ireland!

 

[Zeti]

Welcome Eddie, from another '96 owner!
Check the thrunk light if it's really turn off when cover is closed.
Enjoy the car and the forum,
Dan

 

[Low Rider]

Hello and welcome to Zroadster.org Eddie

 

[Grumps]

Welcome aboard from Mansfield UK

 

[andyglym]

to the forum from West Cumbria, England. If you have your Zed standing for a long time with the central locking/alarm/immobiliser this may be the cause? Have you tried checking your alternator when it's under load with the dipped head lights on and the fan on 4?

 

[ZTec]

Hi and welcome from South Wales. Over what sort of period does the battery flatten, mine will flatten if not driven for a while ( fair weather car) . I keep it on a conditioning charger to maintain the charge. Good luck.

 

[BMBabe]

Welcome from Aylesbury in the uk

 

[Bazza]

From me toooooooooooooooooooo

 

[GazHyde]

Welcome Eddie

 

[Mrs Mint]

from Staffordshire - enjoy 

 

[zedonist]

Welcome, I think the alternator should read around14 volts, also have you measured the voltage across the battery when not running, it should be 12 volts or more, if it is 11 or below, your battery is on its way out.

That said, if they both read ok, then you have a bad earth some where, so you need to trace the wires and clean them up.

 

[t-tony]

A good alternator will charge at around 14v, with engine running at idle speed connect volt meter across the battery and note the reading. Turn on as much electrical loading as possible, heater blower on full speed, wipers on fast, headlights on main beam,rear fog lights and hazard lights on. The reading should dip a little, have someone increase the engine to a fast idle (around 2,000 rpm.) and the reading should increase back up to or very close to the reading you get first off. Also if possible check the output directly from the rear of the alternator at the main cable connection.

Tony.

 

[Eddie Taylor]

Thanks to everyonoe for the info. I think I have a bad alternator, ordered new one be in next week. Install new one and start over again, hope this will fix problem?

 

[t-tony]

If it's charging at 13.6 that's not terribly low to be honest. I hope a new Alternator fixes your car for you.

Tony.

 

[Mint]

Hi @Eddie Taylor, to the forum from me too in Staffordshire, UK. Hope you're back on the road again soon.

 

[Eddie Zedder]

Hello and

 

[Shelly]

Hi and welcome from me too

 

[oldcarman]

Hi from Manitoba!! Good luck with the new alternator! JIM